TB incidence is increased among SOT recipients. The risk factors identified were age and receipt of a lung transplant. TB-attributable mortality (9.5%) is still high.

Recent data from animal models indicate that the eNOS null mice present a phenotype that resemble the human metabolic syndrome (hypertension, insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia). In this work, we have studied whether NOS3 gene, previously related to endothelial dysfunction, might have a role in metabolic syndrome susceptibility in hypertensive patients. To carry out the study, we genotyped 105 hypertensive patients < or = 60 years old with two polymorphisms of NOS3 gene: 1132 T>C and 7164 G>T (GeneBank:AF519768.1). To check the allelic frequency of these polymorphisms in our geographical area, we also genotyped 94 unselected healthy controls (control group). To perform sample genotyping, we designed a novel FRET system coupled to real time PCR. There were no differences in genotypic distribution or allelic frequency between hypertensive patients and the control group. However, we observed that 786CC genotype was significantly more frequent in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome than in those without the syndrome (p=0.0022). When both polymorphisms were analyzed, we identified the 786C894G as the risk haplotype for metabolic syndrome susceptibility (p=0.011). These data suggest a role of the NOS3 gene in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome in hypertensive patients.

Historically, algae have stimulated significant economic interest particularly as a source of fertilizers, feeds, foods and pharmaceutical precursors. However, there is increasing interest in exploiting algal diversity for their antiviral potential. Here, we present an overview of 50-years of scientific and technological developments in the field of algae antivirals. After bibliometric analysis of 999 scientific references, a survey of 16 clinical trials and analysis of 84 patents, it was possible to identify the dominant algae, molecules and viruses that have been shaping and driving this promising field of research. A description of the most promising discoveries is presented according to molecule class. We observed a diverse range of algae and respective molecules displaying significant antiviral effects against an equally diverse range of viruses. Some natural algae molecules, like carrageenan, cyanovirin or griffithsin, are now considered prime reference molecules for their outstanding antiviral capacity. Crucially, while many algae antiviral applications have already reached successful commercialization, the large spectrum of algae antiviral capacities already identified suggests a strong potential for future expansion of this field.

This study considered the physiological modulation of liver proteins due to the supplementation with fish oils under two dietary backgrounds: standard or high in fat and sucrose (HFHS), and their combination with grape polyphenols. By using a quantitative proteomics approach, we showed that the capacity of the supplements for regulating proteins depended on the diet; namely, 10 different proteins changed into standard diets, while 45 changed into the HFHS diets and only scarcely proteins were found altered in common. However, in both contexts, fish oils were the main regulatory force, although the addition of polyphenols was able to modulate some fish oils' effects. Moreover, we demonstrated the ability of fish oils and their combination with grape polyphenols in improving biochemical parameters and reducing lipogenesis and glycolysis enzymes, enhancing fatty acid beta-oxidation and insulin signaling and ameliorating endoplasmic reticulum stress and protein oxidation when they are included in an unhealthy diet.

A geomorphological and sedimentological characterization of the River Mondego terraces in the Figueira da Foz coastal area, Portugal, is presented. The relief is dominated by a Pliocene a marine sandy unit~10-15 m thick, reaching~250 m a.s.l., that covers a shore platform surface. The River Mondego has incised into the Pliocene relief and its long drainage evolution is recorded within a series of inset river terrace landforms. These river terraces are better preserved on the right-hand (northern) bank, where they form a staircase developed against the uplifted Serra da Boa Viagem structure. A set of five river terraces, represented by sedimentary deposits or erosional straths, are identified, namely: T1 at 128-125 m; T2 at 101-90 m; T3 at 70-60 m; T4 at 29-24 m; T5 at 11-10 m a.s.l. Some luminescence dating ages were obtained from the river terrace deposits: > 390 ka from the middle of T4; > 170 ka from the top of T4;~120 ka from the base of T5;~109 ka from T5 (average age for three samples); and 53 ± 3 ka from a colluvium at 35 m a.s.l. Some differences in altitude of the uppermost sedimentary unit and of the terraces are here interpreted as resulting from vertical displacements of active faults during the Quaternary. The main tectonic structure is the WNW-ESE trending Quiaios fault, responsible for the regional tilting towards SW. Other probably active faults and tectonic lineaments trend NNW-SSE to N-S, NNE-SSW to NE-SW and WNW-ESE. This study reports a long-term uplift rate of 0.004-0.055 m/ka for the last 3.6 Ma, but 0.017-0.118 m/ka for the last~1.8 Ma (using as references, respectively, the base and the surface of the uppermost sedimentary unit). The facies associations that characterize the older terrace deposits (T1 and T2) consist of poorly sorted fluvial sandy-gravels and silts, but also some colluvium at the top of each terrace. The younger terraces (T3, T4 and T5) show better developed sedimentary structures and less sedimentary matrix; the sedimentary features are indicative of both fluvial and coastal environments (estuary and beach, as nowadays). Under conditions of continuous uplift, the episodes of river down-cutting, valley widening and aggradation in the studied area can be attributed to the rise and fall of sea-level in response to the global Quaternary climatic fluctuations. Considering the number of terraces and the dating obtained, it seems that the control of terrace genesis in this coastal area should be dominated by glacio-eustasy whereby episodic valley incision would have been determined by periods of very low sea-level, probably at~460-410 ka (T3/T4; MIS12),~200-125 ka (T4/T5; MIS6) and 100-14 ka (T5/Recent alluvial infill; late MIS5, MIS4, MIS3 and MIS2). Some sandy colluvium deposits on the slopes are probably related with mild-cold and wet climate conditions during the period 60 to 32 ka. The aeolian dunes are younger (cold to temperate dry conditions; MIS2 and MIS1).